Gravity Bongs vs Regular Bongs
Gravity bongs have become a popular choice among herb enthusiasts for their ability to deliver concentrated hits of smoke. But what exactly is a gravity bong, and how does it differ from regular bongs? In this article by Online Smoke, we'll explore the ins and outs of gravity bongs, how to operate them, and the health considerations to keep in mind.
How Gravity Bongs Were Invented
The history of gravity bongs is somewhat murky, as it is with many homemade smoking devices. However, it is widely believed that gravity bongs originated in the 1960s or 1970s during the counter-culture movement. During this time, herb use was on the rise, and people were experimenting with different ways to consume it.
The name "gravity bong" comes from the way it uses gravity to create a vacuum that forces the smoke into the lungs of the user. It's a simple yet clever design that allows for a large amount of smoke to be inhaled at once, making for a more concentrated and intense hit. The original gravity bongs were usually homemade, created from materials that were readily available, such as plastic bottles, buckets, and aluminium foil. This made them accessible and popular among college students and other young adults who may not have had the money or access to purchase more traditional smoking bongs.
Over the years, the design of gravity bongs has remained relatively unchanged. However, there have been some improvements and innovations, such as the use of glass bottles and bowls instead of plastic and aluminium, which can be harmful to health when heated. Nowadays, you can even find commercially made gravity bongs that are designed to be more durable and efficient than their homemade counterparts.
Despite its popularity, the gravity bong has also faced some criticism, particularly in terms of its health effects. The concentrated hits delivered by a gravity bong can be too intense for some users, leading to coughing fits or even vomiting in extreme cases. Additionally, there are concerns about the safety of using plastic bottles and aluminium foil, as they can release harmful chemicals when heated. As a result, it is always recommended to use glass or other safe materials whenever possible and to start with small hits if you are new to using a gravity bong.
So What Does a Gravity Bong Do?
A gravity bong, also known as a GB, Geeb, bucket bong, or sometimes waterfall bong, is a homemade bong that uses water and pressure to push smoke into the lungs. It is typically made using a 2-litre bottle, a bucket or larger container, and a socket or aluminium foil to create a bowl. When the herb is lit in the bowl, gravity pulls the smoke into the bottle using water to create suction. As the user pulls up on the bottle, the vacuum created forces the smoke into the user's lungs, resulting in concentrated hits of the plant.
How Are Gravity Bongs Different from Regular Bongs?
Even though they share the name 'bong,' gravity bongs and regular bongs operate quite differently. A regular bong uses water to filter and cool down the smoke as it passes through the water before being inhaled by the user. On the other hand, a gravity bong uses water to create a vacuum or suction force, and the smoke does not pass through the water at all. This results in more concentrated and potent hits compared to a regular bong.
Health Considerations to Consider When Using Gravity Bongs
As mentnioed above, while gravity bongs are known for delivering powerful hits, there are some health considerations to keep in mind. Most homemade gravity bongs are made from single-use plastic bottles, which are made with PET and polyethylene terephthalate. These materials are known to release certain chemicals when exposed to heat. Although it is not entirely known how this may affect your health, it is something to consider when using gravity bongs. It is always better to use smoking devices made from glass and silicone whenever possible.
Additionally, the concentrated hits from a gravity bong can be too intense for some users, especially those who are new to smoking or have a low tolerance. It is important to be aware of this.
Shop With Online Smoke For Quality Bongs
Gravity bongs are an alternative way to consume herbs, delivering concentrated hits of smoke with minimal effort. While they are relatively easy to make and operate, it is important to be mindful of the health considerations if you are new to using gravity bongs. Remember to always use smoking devices made from safe materials whenever possible and enjoy your green responsibly.
Online Smoke offers a wide range of smoking bongs, accessories, and other products for herb enthusiasts. View our wide selection and collection to find the perfect product for your needs.